My Wheels: Mark Evans

Author Mark Evans works as a real estate photographer in between writing funny stories for young readers, including Crazy Crab, which has won 12 international awards. His third book, Tang the Boastful Ape, is due to be released in the US next year.

What are you driving and why did you buy it?

A bright blue Nissan Micra we all affectionately call Grover. He has a big dent from a fallen tree and looks like he has gone a round with Mike Tyson. I bought it because I am on the road all day; it’s one of the cheapest cars to run and I won't lose a heap of money driving it into the ground.

What’s your Dream Car?

My dream car is the Ford GT. I believe there is a movie coming out about this car later in the year. I will definitely watch that movie and dream, but when the lights come up, I will go back to reality and drive home in Grover.

What was your first car?

A cream, manual Ford Laser. It was a great little first car that very rarely let me down. You never forget your first car because it is your first real taste of freedom. It had cream carpeted interior doors that ended up pink after a friend expelled their night's worth of Sub Zeros with red grenadine all over them. Thanks, Bronwyn!

What annoys you most about other motorists?

When they don't leave any space in front to merge. I like to leave a big gap between me; I figure that helping someone get in to the lane fills up my karma account.Does it really matter if that driver who merged in front of you gets home one minute before you?

What’s your favourite driving music?

I love a funky dance tune or some classic disco song. I will sing along with a disco diva at the top of my voice and out-drum Phil Collins on my steering wheel if the song is right. But the majority of the time, I listen to talkback on ABC or Radio National or play a podcast.